FANS VOTE FOR CREST CHANGE

10 October 2014

Portsmouth FC

New badge to appear on next season's kits

Pompey will be changing their crest on shirts after a survey of fans indicated there was an appetite to do so.

From the 2015/16 season, the kit – which fans will get a say on next week in a consultative vote – will sport a traditional star and crescent design on a Swiss-shield, based on the highly popular 1912-style crest which was put on the commemorative ‘Pompey Pals’ home shirt this season.

Fifty-five per cent, a clear majority, said that they would like to see the club re-adopt a design based on the 1912 style.

The positive feedback from that move saw the club put the question of a new shirt badge out to consultation and almost 5,000 responded.

Twenty-six per cent opted to retain the current version, which dates from 2008 and 19 per cent wanted the club to consult further on an all-new design.

The key change to the 1912-design is the new crest will feature an eight-point star alongside the crescent rather than a five-point one, as well as incorporating subtle shading elements.

Colin Farmery, who has overseen the consultation and is responsible for the club’s history and archiving projects, said: “I am sure fans will be pleased with the new crest. It very much draws on the club’s past and means we will be returning to a timeless design used for almost 70 years from 1912 until 1980.

And Colin revealed the decision to adopt an eight-point star rather than a five-point one was driven by the fans as well.

“We are fortunate to have an iconic crest which is instantly recognisable around the country without the need for words.”

“The styling of the badge has given it a more contemporary feel, but at its heart it is faithful to the best traditions of the club.

He said: “We allowed fans to comment and almost 1,200 did. In those, there was a strong feeling that an eight-point star was either more stylish or was a direct link with the city coat of arms, so should be used.

“As a club we also felt it was appropriate to leave the five-point design we adopted this season on the home shirt as the one-off commemoration intended for the brave men from Portsmouth who fell in the Great War.”
Another set of consultative votes is planned to start on Monday for next season’s kits and the new crest will appear on the options.